Testosterone replacement therapy for women can be a very effective solution for a hormone imbalance. It’s important for patients considering testosterone therapy for women in Parker and Aurora, CO, to find out more about this treatment option.
Testosterone: An Essential Hormone for Women
In a woman’s body, testosterone is created by the ovaries, adrenal glands, and other cells. Testosterone is an essential hormone when it comes to female health. Not only does it play a role in a woman’s blood cell production, it also affects muscle and bone health, mood, sex drive, and the reproductive cycle.
While most people assume that women suffering from a hormone imbalance have a lack of estrogen or progesterone, this is not the only hormone deficiency that women can experience. Many women have lower-than-normal testosterone levels.
For women, optimal testosterone levels are much lower than they are for men. Women produce three times as much estrogen as they do testosterone. Additionally, a natural decline in testosterone production is normal at the start of a woman’s 30s.
However, a testosterone deficiency can still have major repercussions when it comes to female health. It can affect a woman’s mental cognition, sex drive, bone health, reproductive cycle, and more.
Causes of Low Testosterone in Women
The main cause of low testosterone in women is going through menopause. This life change can greatly deplete testosterone levels.
Other causes include ovary removal (which can cut testosterone production levels in half), chemotherapy, and medications like hormonal contraceptives, opioids, oral estrogen medication, and corticosteroids.
Health issues like malnutrition, premature menopause, Addison’s disease, Turner syndrome, hyperprolactinemia, and ovarian insufficiency can also reduce testosterone production in women.
Symptoms of Low Testosterone in Women
A hormone imbalance can have a major impact on a woman’s quality of life. Women with low testosterone may have anxiety, depression, fatigue, a lack of energy, and trouble sleeping. They may also experience issues with concentration, memory problems, night sweats, and hot flashes.
Additionally, women with a testosterone deficiency may have a reduced sex drive, vaginal dryness, issues with their menstrual cycle, and fertility problems. Some women also experience weakness, hair loss, dry skin, weight gain, bone loss, and a reduction in muscle tone.
What Is Testosterone Therapy for Women?
Testosterone therapy for women is a way to supplement the body’s testosterone supply, restoring balance to the hormone levels. This process effectively treats the numerous symptoms of a testosterone deficiency, including symptoms associated with perimenopause and menopause.
This treatment is considered off-label, as the FDA has not yet approved testosterone treatments for women.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you may not be a good candidate for testosterone therapy for women. You may be encouraged to wait until after you are finished breastfeeding before starting testosterone replacement therapy.
Diagnosing Low Testosterone in Women
If you’re concerned that you may have low testosterone, visit Beyond Human for a personalized consultation. During this consultation, you will describe your symptoms in detail.
Your healthcare provider will also perform a physical examination. You will go over your complete medical history, including pre-existing medical conditions, current medications, and any recent treatments.
Next, blood work will be ordered to evaluate your testosterone levels, along with the levels of your other hormones. Hormone levels can fluctuate, so you may be asked to undergo blood work at a specific time for optimal measurement.
If it’s determined that you can benefit from testosterone therapy for women, a course of treatment will be created for you. Your healthcare provider will go over the details of the treatment process. You are highly encouraged to ask any questions that you may have.
The Testosterone Replacement Therapy Treatment Process
Testosterone therapy can be delivered in many forms, including injections, pellets, gels, patches, creams, and pills. The proper method for you will be determined during your consultation.
Typically, doses of testosterone for women will start very low in order to gauge the optimal dosage. Dosage will be adjusted over the course of the treatment process as needed. During this process, you will come in regularly for new blood work to check on your progress.
The time it takes to experience results varies from patient to patient based on the specifics of their case. Remember that patience is vital for this process.
Get Started
To get started with testosterone therapy for women in Parker and Aurora, CO, contact Beyond Human for a consultation with our experts. The sooner you schedule your consultation, the sooner we can correct your hormone imbalance.